MPX-90_USE_EN_R1.pdf

8/11/2019 MPX-90_USE_EN_R1.pdf

1/120

USERS MANUAL

To ensure safe usage and full performance of this product, please be sure to read through this manual completely.

To ensure immediate access whenever needed, store this manual in a safe location.

Unauthorized copying, quotation, or translation of this manual, in whole or in part, without the written approval of Roland

DG Corp., is prohibited.

The contents of this document and the specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.

Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage relating to this product, regardless of any defect in this

product or this manual. Such loss or damage, whether direct or indirect, includes, but is not limited to, that arising from the

specifications or performance of this product, that due to failure of the product to perform, and that arising from any article

made using this product.


2/120

WARNING

This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer,

birth defects and other reproductive harm, including

lead.

For California

For the USA

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIS-

SION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFER-

ENCE STATEMENT

This equipment has been tested and found to comply

with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-tion against harmful interference when the equipment

is operated in a commercial environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in

accordance with the instruction manual, may cause

harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is

likely to cause harmful interference in which case the

user will be required to correct the interference at his

own expense.

Unauthorized changes or modifcation to this system

can void the users authority to operate this equipment.

When the equipment requires a usb cable, it must be

shielded type.

For Canada

CLASS A NOTICE

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of

the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regula-

tions.

CLASSE A AVIS

Cet appareil numrique de la classe A respecte toutes

les exigences du Rglement sur le matriel brouilleurdu Canada.

For EU Countries

Manufacturer:

ROLAND DG CORPORATION

1-6-4 Shinmiyakoda, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken, 431-2103 JAPAN

The authorized representative in the EU:

Roland DG Corporation, German Ofce Halskestr. 7, 47877 Willich, Germany

Roland DG Corp. has licensed the MMP technology from the TPL Group.

II


3/120

1

Contents

To Ensure Safe Use .....................................................................................4

Important Notes on Handling and Use...............................................................9

About Operation Manuals .................................................................................10

Documentation Included with the Machine ........................................................................10

How to Display Help for Software ............................................................................................10

How to Display Help for METAZA Driver ................................................................................11

Chapter 1 Getting Started .................................................................................13

1-1 About the Machine ................................................................................14

Features ..............................................................................................................................................14

1-2 Names and Functions ...........................................................................15

This Machine ....................................................................................................................................15

1-3 Checking the Included Items .................................................................17

Chapter 2 Installation and Setup ......................................................................19

2-1 Installation .............................................................................................20

Installation Environment ............................................................................................................20

Removing and storing the retainers ........................................................................................21

2-2 Cable Connections ................................................................................22

Connecting the machine to a power supply ........................................................................22

2-3 Installing the Software ...........................................................................23

System Requirements ...................................................................................................................23

The Software You Can Install and Set Up ...............................................................................23

Installing METAZA Driver .............................................................................................................24

Installing the Software .................................................................................................................25

2-4 METAZAStudio Settings........................................................................26

Making the Setting for the Printer ..........................................................................................26

Chapter 3 Making Prints ....................................................................................27

3-1 Switching the Power On and Off ..........................................................28

Switching On the Power .............................................................................................................28

Switching Off the Power ..............................................................................................................28

3-2 Getting Ready .......................................................................................29

The Printable Area ..........................................................................................................................29

Head Caps ........................................................................................................................................29

Preparing Material to Print ..........................................................................................................30

Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet.........................................................................33

Using the Center Vise ...................................................................................................................37

Loading Material Using the Center Vise .................................................................................38

3-3 Preparing Print Data (METAZAStudio)..................................................41

Starting METAZAStudio ..............................................................................................................41

METAZAStudio Screen ..................................................................................................................42

Step1 : Determine the shape and size of material. .............................................................43

Step2 : Import the Image ............................................................................................................45


4/120

2

Contents

Step3 : Enter the Text.....................................................................................................................47

Step4 : Save Printing Data ...........................................................................................................47

3-4 Starting and Stopping Printing ..............................................................49

Starting Printing ..............................................................................................................................49

Stopping Printing Operations ....................................................................................................51

Chapter 4 More Advanced Operations .............................................................53

4-1 Tips and Tricks for Image Layout ..........................................................54

Keeping Only the Required Portion of an Image (Trimming) .......................................54

Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of an Image ...........................................................55

Enclosing an Image in a Frame ..................................................................................................58

4-2 Tips and Tricks for Text Layout..............................................................60

Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of a Text ..................................................................60

Arranging a Text to a Fan Layout .............................................................................................62

Laying Out Text along a Shape ..................................................................................................63

Filling Text .........................................................................................................................................64

4-3 Creating and Editing Line Text ..............................................................66

SFEdit2 window ..............................................................................................................................66

Creating a Stroke Character Font ..............................................................................................67

Changing Input Characters into Stroke Characters ...........................................................69

Editing Stroke character ...............................................................................................................70

4-4 Checking and Adjusting Finished Result of an Image .............................................................71

Checking the Finished Results in the Preview Window ....................................................71

Adjusting the Finished Result in the Preview Window .....................................................72

4-5 Printing on a Curved Surface ................................................................73

Step1 : Decide on the Printing Area (Workpiece Size) .....................................................73

Step2 : Make horizontal writing on portrait material. .......................................................76

4-6 Register New Material ...........................................................................78

How to Register Wide Variety of Material ..............................................................................78

4-7 METAZA Driver Settings .......................................................................79

Keeping the settings of METAZA Driver .................................................................................79

4-8 About Dr. Engrave .................................................................................80

What is Dr. Engrave? ......................................................................................................................80

Points to note when using Dr. Engrave ..................................................................................80

4-9 More Advanced Other Operations ........................................................81

More Advanced Other Operations You Can Accomplish with METAZAStudio ........81

Chapter 5 Maintenance and Adjustment .........................................................83

5-1 Daily Care .............................................................................................84

Points to Note on Daily Care .......................................................................................................84

Cleaning the Adhesive Sheet .....................................................................................................84

Cleaning the Body and Cover ...................................................................................................85

Cleaning of the Head Cap ...........................................................................................................85

5-2 Adjusting Marking Pins ..........................................................................86

Checking the State of the Marking Pins .................................................................................86

Adjusting the Striking Force of the Pins .................................................................................87


5/120

3

Contents

Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or othercountries.Company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Copyright 2009 Roland DG Corporation http://www.rolanddg.com

5-3 Composition Registration and Striking-force Adjustment ......................88

Registering a Composition and Adjusting the Striking Force ........................................88

5-4 Adjustment of the Origin-point Location ................................................91

Adjusting the Location of the Machine's Origin Point ......................................................91

5-5 The Replacement of the Head Cap.......................................................94

The Replacement Cycle for the Head Cap .............................................................................94

5-6 Head Replacement ...............................................................................95

The Replacement Cycle for the Head ......................................................................................95

How to Replace the Head ............................................................................................................96

Chapter 6 Appendix ...........................................................................................99

6-1 What to Do If .......................................................................................100

The power supply light is blinking. ....................................................................................... 100

The machine doesn't run even when printing data is sent. .........................................100

The printed location isn't where desired ............................................................................ 101

Striking is performed, but nothing is printed. ..................................................................101

The printed image is unattractive. ........................................................................................ 101

The image is uneven. ................................................................................................................. 102

The image is always faint at the same location. ............................................................... 102

Installation for METAZA driver is Impossible .....................................................................103

Uninstalling METAZA driver .....................................................................................................104

6-2 When Moving the Machine .................................................................106

Attach the retaining materials to the machine. ................................................................ 106

6-3 Locations of the Power Rating and Serial Number Labels .................109

6-4 Specication ........................................................................................110

Main Unit Specifications ........................................................................................................... 110

System Requirements for USB Connection ........................................................................110


6/120

4

To Ensure Safe Use

Improper handling or operation of this machine may result in injury or damage to property.

Points which must be observed to prevent such injury or damage are described as follows.

About WARNING and CAUTION Notices

WARNINGUsed for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury

should the unit be used improperly.

CAUTION

Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material

damage should the unit be used improperly.

* Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to

the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

About the SymbolsThe symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings. The specific meaning

of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. The symbol at

left means

"danger of electrocution."

The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden).

The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the

circle. The symbol at left means the unit must never be disassembled.

The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that

must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left

means the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

Incorrect operation may cause injury

WARNING

Keep children away from the ma-

chine.The machine includes areas and compo-

nents that pose a hazard to children and

may result in injury, blindness, choking, or

other serious accident.

Never attempt to disassemble, repair,

or modify the machine.

Doing so may result in fire, electrical

shock, or injury. Entrust repairs to a trained

service technician.

CAUTION

Install in a location that is level and

stable.Installation in an unsuitable location may

cause an accident, including a fall or

tipover.

Be sure to follow the operation proce-

dures described in this documentation.

Never allow anyone unfamiliar with

the usage or handling of the machine

to touch it.

Incorrect usage or handling may result in

unexpected injury.


7/120

5

To Ensure Safe Use

WARNINGConnect to an electrical outlet that

complies with this machines ratings

(for voltage, frequency, and current).

Incorrect voltage or insufcient current

may cause re or electrical shock.

Do not use with any power supply other

than the dedicated AC adapter.

Use with any other power supply may lead

to re or electrocution.

Never use out of doors or in any loca-

tion where exposure to water or high

humidity may occur. Never touch with

wet hands.

Doing so may result in re or electrical

shock.

Never allow any foreign object to get

inside. Never expose to liquid spills.

Inserting objects such as coins or matches

or allowing beverages to be spilled into

the ventilation ports may result in re or

electrical shock. If anything gets inside,

immediately disconnect the power cord

and contact your authorized Roland DG

Corp. dealer.

Danger of electrical short, shock, electrocution, or re

Ratings

Never place any ammable object near-

by. Never use a combustible aerosol

spray nearby. Never use in any location

where gases can accumulate.

Combustion or explosion may be a dan-

ger.

Handle the power cord, plug, and

electrical outlet correctly and with

care. Never use any article that is

damaged.Using a damaged article may result in re

or electrical shock.

When using an extension cord or

power strip, use one that adequately

satisfies the machines ratings (for

voltage, frequency, and current).

Use of multiple electrical loads on a single

electrical outlet or of a lengthy extension

cord may cause re.

When the machine will be out of use

for a prolonged period, disconnect the

power cord.

This can prevent accidents in the event

of current leakage or unintended startup.

Position so that the power plug is

within immediate reach at all times.

This is to enable quick disconnection

of the power plug in the event of an

emergency. Install the machine next toan electrical outlet. Also, provide enough

empty space to allow immediate access

to the electrical outlet.

If sparking, smoke, burning odor, un-

usual sound, or abnormal operation

occurs, immediately unplug the power

cord. Never use if any component is

damaged.

Continuing to use the machine may result

in re, electrical shock, or injury. Con-tact your authorized Roland DG Corp.

dealer.


8/120

6

To Ensure Safe Use

Important notes about the power cord, plug, and electrical outlet

Never place any object on top or subject to

damage.

Never bend or twist with undue force.

Never pull with undue force.

Never bundle, bind, or roll up.

Never allow to get wet.

Never make hot.

Dust may cause re.


9/120

7

To Ensure Safe Use

The head area becomes hot

WARNINGNever touch the head immediately after

printing has nished.

Doing so may cause burns.


10/120

8

To Ensure Safe Use

Warning Label

Warning label is afxed to make areas of danger immediately clear. The meaning of the label

is as follows. Be sure to heed its warnings.

Also, never remove the label or allow it to become obscured.

Caution: High TemperatureNever touch immediately after printing.


11/120

9

Important Notes on Handling and Use

This machine is a precision device. To ensure the full performance of this machine, be sure to

observe the following important points. Failure to observe these may not only result in loss

of performance, but may also cause malfunction or breakdown.

This Machine is a Precision Device.

Handle carefully, and never subject the machine to impact or excessive force.

Never print material outside the range of specifications.

Install in a Suitable Location

Install in a location having the specified temperature and relative humidity.

Install in a quiet, stable location offering good operating conditions.

Never use the machine in an environment where silicone substances (oil, grease, spray, etc.) are present.

Doing so may cause poor switch contact.

When Moving the Machine

When moving the machine, be sure to support it at the bottom using two hands. Attempting to move

the machine by holding it at a different location may result in damage.

When moving the machine to another location, be sure to attach the retainers. Attempting moving

without attaching the retainers may result in damage.

Printing

Never attempt to perform printing on the edges or over holes in printing material.

Printing results may vary according to the original data, the material printed, and the details of settings.

Before you perform actual printing, we recommend carrying out test printing.

Attempting printing with no material loaded may damage the pins or heads.


12/120

10

About Operation Manuals

Documentation Included with the Machine

The following documentation is included with the machine.

MPX-90 Users Manual (this manual)

This describes important notes for ensuring safe use, and explains how to install and operate the machine.

It also explains how to install and operate included software.

Be sure to read it first.

METAZA Driver Online Help

Roland METAZAStudio Online Help

Roland SFEdit2 Online Help

Dr. Engrave Online Help

You view this documentation on your computer screen. Installing the respective programs makes these

available for viewing. They describe in detail the commands used in the programs.P. 10 How to Display Help for Software, p.11 How to Display Help for METAZA Driver

How to Display Help for Software

You can display Help for software by conducting the following operation after installing the software.

P.23 Installing the Software

From [Start] menu, select software

and click [ Help ].


13/120

11

About Operation Manual

How to Display Help for METAZA Driver

You can display Help for METAZA driver by conducting the following operation after installing METAZA

driver.

P.24 Installing METAZA Driver

Procedure

Windows VistaFrom [Start] menu, click [Control Panel] [Hardware and Sound] [Printers].

Windows XP

From [Start] menu, click [Control Panel] [Printers and Other Hardware] [Print-

ers and Faxes].

Right click [Roland MPX-90].Click [Printing Preferences].The setting window appears.

Click [Help].METAZA Driver help appears.


14/120

12


15/120

13

Chapter 1Getting Started


16/120

14Chapter 1 Getting Started

1-1 About the Machine

Features

This machine is a metal printer. It prints images by striking detailed points using a marking pin mounted

in a head.


17/120


1-2 Names and Functions

This Machine

Main Unit

CoverClose the cover when makingprint..

Head unitMove the head unit and align theend handle (marking pins) of thehead to the surface of material.

KnobDetermine thehea d po si t i o nbased on the sur-face height of thematerial whenperforming print-ing without using

a head cap.

Head

Power/Movement buttonPressing this makes the lightcome on and switches on the

power. Pressing it while the unit ison moves the table to the interiorof the unit and the head to thecenter surface of the table. Press-ing it a second time moves thehead to the interior left and thetable back to the front edge ofthe unit. To switch off the power,you hold down the button forone second or longer.

Power-codeconnector

USB connector


18/120

16

1-2 Names and Functions

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Head (MPH-90)

Printing is performed on material using

marking pins. Diamond is attached to thetip of the marking pins. Since the head is a

consumable part, replace it at an appropri-

ate timing.

P. 94, The Replacement Cycle for the Head

Material Retainers

This is used to fix material on a table. Mate-

rial is placed on the adhesive sheet, which

then holds the material in place. This lets you

immobilize objects without having to use

commercially available tape or the like.

P. 33, Loading Material Using the Adhesive

Sheet

This is a vise made of plastic, and secures

material in place by clamping it. This makes it

possible to immobilize material that cannot

be secured using the adhesive sheet, such

as items having a curved bottom surface.

The act of securing an item in place alsoaccurately determines the center position

in the horizontal direction.

P. 38, Loading Material Using the Center

Vise

Adhesive sheet

Center vise

Marking pins


19/120


1-3 Checking the Included Items

The following items are packed together with the unit. Make sure they are all present and accounted for.

AC adapter Power cord Head caps(One installed on the unit by

default)

Center vise Adhesive sheet Table

USB cable Roland Software PackageCD-ROM

Head (MPH-90)(Installed on the unit by default)

Test-use printing material(Brass-plated plates)

Users manual(This document)


20/120

18


21/120

Chapter 2

Installation and Setup

19


22/120

2-1 Installation

Installation Environment

Install in a quiet, stable location offering good operating conditions. An unsuitable location can cause ac-

cident, fire, faulty operation, or breakdown.

CAUTION Install in a location that is level and stable.Installation in an unsuitable location may cause an accident, including a fall

or tipover.

Never install in a location subject to wide fluctuations in temperature or humidity.

Never install in a location subject to shaking or vibration.

Never install in a location where the floor is tilted, not level, or unstable.

Never install in a dusty or dirty location, or out of doors.

Never install in a location exposed to direct sunlight or near air-conditioning or heating equipment.

Never install in a location exposed to considerable electrical or magnetic noise, or other forms of elec-tromagnetic energy.

Never install in an environment where silicone substances (oil, grease, spray, etc.) are present.

20 Chapter 2 Installation and Setup


23/120

Removing and storing the retainers

Retaining materials are attached to protect the machine from vibration during shipment. Remove these

after emplacement.

Remove all Retaining materials. Any that remain may cause faulty operation or breakdown when the

power is switched on.

The retaining materials and package are required when moving the machine to a different location. Store

them carefully so that they do not get misplaced.

Removing the retainers

Storing the retainers

Keep the retaining materials by mounting them to the position shown in the figure.

Retainer

Screws

Retainer

Screws

21Chapter 2 Installation and Setup

2-1 Installation


24/120

2-2 Cable Connections

Connecting the machine to a power supply

WARNING Do not use with any electrical power supply that does not meet theratings displayed on the AC adapter.

Use with any other power supply may lead to re or electrocution.

WARNING AC Never use any AC adapter and power cord other than the AC adapter

and power cord included with the machine.

Doing so may lead to re, electrical shock, or electrocution.

WARNING Handle the power cord, plug, and electrical outlet correctly and withcare. Never use any article that is damaged.

Using a damaged article may result in re or electrical shock.

WARNING When using an extension cord or power strip, use one that adequatelysatises the machines ratings (for voltage, frequency, and current).

Use of multiple electrical loads on a single electrical outlet or of a lengthy

extension cord may cause re.

At this time, the connection to the computer must not be made yet.

Failure to follow the correct procedure may make installation impossible. You make the connection to the

computer when you install METAZA driver.

P. 24, Installing METAZA Driver

Machine

DO NOT connect a USB cable at this point.

Electricaloutlet

Powercord

AC adapter

Computer

USB cable



25/120

2-3 Installing the Software

System Requirements

Operating system Windows XP/Vista (32 bit edition)

ProcessorThe minimum required CPU for the operatingsystem (At least Pentium 4 3.0 GHz or morerecommended)

Memory

The minimum amount of required RAM for

the operating system (At least 512MB or more

recommended)

Optical drive CD-ROM drive

Video card and monitorAt least 16 bit colors (High Color) with a resolu-tion of 800 x 600 or more recommended

Free hard-disk space required for instal-lation

25MB

For the latest information, see the Roland DG Corp. website (http://www.rolanddg.com).

The Software You Can Install and Set Up

METAZAStudioThis is a program for creating printing data. It enables you importand crop images to print, and perform editing to add text, boxes,

and the like.

SFEdit2

This is a program that lets you create and edit stroke fonts. Stroke fontsare line drawings created by automatically extracting the centerlinesfrom a TrueType font. You can use the generated stroke fonts as fontswith METAZAStudio.

MPX-90 Head ManagerThis is a utility for adjusting the head. Run it when you replace thehead or adjust the marking pins.

Dr. EngraveThis is text and image printing software that lets you create printdata. You can use TrueType fonts registered in Windows. It also hasstroke characters.

METAZA Driver This is a Windows-based driver required for sending data from acomputer to the machine.



26/120

Installing METAZA Driver

Make sure to connect the machine to a computer by following the given procedure.

Failure to follow the correct procedure may make installation impossible.

Procedure

Before you start installation and setup, make sure the USB cable is NOT con-nected.

Log on to Windows as Administrators.

Insert the Roland Software Package CD-ROM into the computer.(Windows Vista only: When the automatic playback window appears, click [Run menu.exe].)

The install menu appears automatically.

Click [METAZA Driver Install].A Setup Guide matched to the basic soft-

ware on your computer is displayed.

Follow the instructions in the SetupGuide to nish installing.

As following the instructions in the Setup

Guide, you will find the procedure to con-

nect the machine to a computer. Make sure

to keep the instructions given below.Never connect two or more machines to

one computer.

For the USB cable, use the included

cable.

Never use a USB hub.

Click of the install menu windowand setup guide window.

24


Chapter 2 Installation and Setup


27/120

Installing the Software

Procedure

Display the window for the install menu of the software.

Click [Install] of the program youwant to install.

Follow the messages to install the software.(Windows Vista only: The [User Account Control] appears, click [Allow], and install the softwares.)

When all installation nishes, clickof the install menu.

Remove the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive.




28/120

2-4 METAZAStudio Settings

Making the Setting for the Printer

After you finish installing and setting up METAZAStudio, continue by making the setting for the printer. Be

sure to make the setting before use.

Procedure

From [Start] menu, click [All Pro-grams] (or [Programs]) [Roland

METAZAStudio] [METAZAStu-

dio].

METAZAStudio starts.

Click [File] [Set up the printer].The [Print Setup] dialog box appears.

Click the arrow shown in thegure, then select [Roland MPX-90].

Click [OK].



29/120

27

Chapter 3Making Prints


30/120

28 Chapter 3 Making Prints

3-1 Switching the Power On and Off

Switching On the Power

Procedure

Make sure that the stopper contactsthe ring and the knob is tightened as

shown in the gure .

In the case as shown in the figure , loosen

the knob to make it into the state shown in

the figure, and then tighten the knob.

Press the Power/Movement button.The lamp of the Power/Movement button is

turned ON, and the head moves to the left

rear. This operation is called initialization.

Description

When the power is ON in the state shown in the figure , there are cases where the power lamp blinks and

an error occurs immediately after the initial operation is completed. To clear the error, take the procedure

and press the Power/Movement button. The power lamp stops blinking and lights.

Switching Off the Power

Hold down the Power/Movement but-

ton for one second or longer.

Th e li ght go es da rk and th e po wer is

switched off.

Stopper

Ring

Knob

Power/Movementbutton

Loosen

Tighten

OK

Not OK


Hold down the but-ton for one secondor longer.

OK


31/120

29Chapter 3 Making Prints

3-2 Getting Ready

The Printable Area

The machine's printable area is as follows.

Head Caps

Using the head cap is usually recommended.

When the head cap is used, the machine automatically tracks the surface height of material and sets the

position of the head. Therefore you do not need to set the head position for printing. You can make a print

even on a cylindrical material. (There is an upper limit of the height that can be tracked.) It is recommended

to use the head cap for usual printing.

P. 73, "4-5 Printing on a Curved Surface," p. 94, "The Replacement Cycle for the Head Cap"

If the material is damaged when using the head cap.

Some materials may be scratched and/or contaminated by the head cap during printing, and it may affectthe print quality. In such a case, perform printing without using the head cap. When the head cap is not

used, printable materials are limited to those of which print surface is even.

P. 30, "Preparing Material to Print," p. 33, "Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet," p. 38, "Loading Material

Using the Center Vise"

Head cap

Center line

Center

line

Top view of the table

Maximum Printable Area (80mm 80mm)The setting by METAZA Driver is required.If an image exceeds the printable area, the printresult might become uneven in the outside ofthe printable area.

Printable Area50mm 50mm


32/120

30

3-2 Getting Ready

Chapter 3 Making Prints

Preparing Material to Print

Prepare material that meets all of the following conditions.

Thickness *1

0.3 to 40 mm (0.012 to 1.5 in.)

Size *1

When using the adhesive sheet: 100mm (3.9 in.) (W) 200mm (7.9 in.) (L) or less, or 200mm (7.9

in.) (W) 100mm (3.9 in.) (L) or less.

When using the center vise: 60 mm (2.3 in.) (W) Length of 200mm (7.9 in.) (L) or less, or 200mm

(7.9 in.) (W) 60 mm (2.3 in.) (L) or less.

*1

Note that you cannot use material which warps during printing even if the thickness and size are within the

ranges specified above. If you use such material, warped material might come into contact with the head,

damaging the marking pins.

The following table shows the printable thickness and size by material.

Material Thickness Width and Length (general guide)

Aluminium 2.0 mm (0.08 in.) Length (or width) of 60 mm (2.3 in.) or less

1.5 mm (0.06 in.) Length (or width) of 40 mm (1.5 in.) or less




Brass or Copper 2.0 mm (0.08 in.) Length (or width) of 60 mm (2.3 in.) or less





Stainless steel 2.0 mm (0.08 in.) Length (or width) of 60 mm (2.3 in.) or less


*2

The mounting direction of the vise might be limited.

P. 38, "Loading Material Using the Center Vise"

Hardness of surface to print

Vickers hardness (HV) of 200 or less *3

*3

Materials which may crack or split by printing (such as glass, stone, precious stones, china, and porcelain)

cannot be printed even if hardness is within the preceding range.

Attempting to print such materials may damage the machine.

For information of the hardness of the material surface, please contact the shop where you bought the

material or the manufacturer of the material.


33/120


3-2 Getting Ready

Cross-section of printing material

When using an adhesive sheet or a center vice.

There must be no unevenness on the print surface. *4

*4

Materials that cannot be used are those of which unevenness comes into contact with the moving part of

the machine when material is set or when printing is made.

When using an adhesive sheet.

The back surface must be flat, with no difference in level.

Without a head cap

The printed surface must be level.

Edge of the material is

too high.

Back surfaceis curved.

Back surfaceis uneven.

Surface to print

is not straight.

L-shape

Not OKNot OK

Not OK Not OK

Not OK


34/120

32

3-2 Getting Ready


Conditions for Material When Printing Curved Surfaces *5

The table and figure below show the printing-assured area and the area reached by the marking pins with

respect to the diameter of the cylinder. Note, however, that the following conditions are assumed.

The head cap is used.

The material has circularity.

Diameter of cy-lindrical material

Recommended printable area(A)

Area reached by the markingpins (B)

10 mm (0.3 in.) 2.0 mm (0.079 in.) 2.8 mm (0.11in.)

20 mm (0.7 in.) 2.8 mm (0.11 in.) 4.0 mm (0.16 in.)

30 mm (1.1 in.) 3.4 mm (0.14 in.) 4.8 mm (0.19 in.)

*5

For printing on curved surfaces, regardless of the shape or composition of the material, the image quality

of photographic data cannot be assured.


35/120


3-2 Getting Ready

Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet

Procedure

Switch on the powerP. 28 "Switching On the Power"

Make sure that the stopper contactsthe ring and the knob is tightened as

shown in the gure.

Tighten the knob if it is loose. If you make

a print as the knob is loose, the knob may

come off due to vibration.

Attach a head cap to the tip ofhead.

Mount it as lightly holding the head as

shown in the figure. The head cap is attached

correctly when its tab clicks.

Set the table.Fit the tabs on the base of the table to the

holes of the machine.

Hold thehead.

Head cap

Head

Fit the tabs here.

Tighten

Stopper

Ring

Knob

Tabs


36/120

34

3-2 Getting Ready


Afx the adhesive sheet to thetable.

Mount the material on the sheet.

Press down lightly on the material to secure

it in place.

Mounting the Adhesive Sheet

Place it straight, aligned with the scale marks on the table.

Place inside the table frame.

Be careful not to allow any air bubbles to form between the adhesive sheet and the table.

Handling of the Adhesive Sheet

If the adhesive force has been reduced, then wash the adhesive sheet.

P. 84, "Cleaning the Adhesive Sheet"

Never rub the surface with force. Doing so may damage the surface and reduce its adhesive strength.

How to Place Material

When material is small enough to be placed within the table

Place the material at the center of the scale

on the table.

Continue on the next page

Center Line

Center LineAdhesivesheet

Material

Center of thematerial


37/120


3-2 Getting Ready

When material is too large to be placed within the table

Place the material in a way that the center

of the printing area comes to the center of

the scale on the table.If the material tilts, place a support in order

to keep the material horizontal.

If youre performing printing with head cap used, this completes loading of the material.

If youre performing printing with no head cap used, then go on to the following steps.

The procedure from this point on is for when youre not using the head cap.

Press the Power/Movement button.The head moves and stops at the position

where the tip of the head cap rides on the

surface of the material.

Loosen the knob.Rotate the knob counterclockwise once.

Then you can move the stopper.

Center Line

Center Line

Adhesivesheet

MaterialCenter of thematerial

Stopper

Knob


38/120

36

3-2 Getting Ready


As shown in the gure, move theknob to the lowest position.

Tighten the knob.

Press the Power/Movement button.The head moves to the left rear.

Detach the head cap.

Supportthe head.

Head cap

Stopper

Knob


39/120


3-2 Getting Ready

Using the Center Vise

With the center vise, you secure material in place by clamping it in the vise. You can also vary the orien-

tation and front and back sides of the vise when using it. Use it in a way matched to the size and shape

of the material.

P. 30, "Preparing Material to Print

There are two ways to mount the center vise to the machine, which are vertical mounting and horizontal

mounting. Select an appropriate way according to the material size and printing area.

ViseYou can mount the viseeither with the frontside up or with the backside up.

This is suitable for clamping cylindricalmaterial.

This is suitable for clamping plate-shapedmaterial.

Horizontal

direction

Verticaldirection

Material

Center of thematerial

Material

Center of the print-ing area


40/120

38

3-2 Getting Ready


Loading Material Using the Center Vise

Procedure

Switch on the power.P. 28 "Switching On the Power"

Make sure that the knob is tightenedin the state shown in the gure.

If it is not in the state shown in the figure,

loosen the knob, and then tighten it as it is in

the state shown in the figure. To loosen the

knob, rotate it counterclockwise once.

Attach a head cap to the tip ofhead.

Mount the head as lightly holding it as

shown in the figure. The head cap is attached

correctly when its tab clicks.

Load the material.

Clamp the material in place in the vise, and

tighten the retaining screw enough to keep

the material from easily coming loose. Be

careful not to overtighten, because doing

so may damage the material.

Tighten

Stopper

Ring

Knob

Hold thehead.

Head cap

Head

Loosen

Tighten

Retainingscrew


41/120


3-2 Getting Ready

Mount the center vise.Fit the tabs on the bottom of the center vise

into the holes in the table on the unit.

If the material tilts, place a support in order

to keep the material horizontal.

If youre performing printing with head cap used, this completes loading of the material.

If youre performing printing with no head cap used, then go on to the following steps.

The procedure from this point on is for when youre not using the head cap.

Press the Power/Movement button.The head moves and stops at the location

where the tip of the nose cap touches the

surface of the material.

Loosen the knob.Rotate the knob counterclockwise once.

Then you can move the stopper.

Fit the tabs here in thecase of vertical mounting.

Tabs

Fit the tabs here in the caseof horizontal mounting.

Stopper

Knob


42/120

40

3-2 Getting Ready


Move the knob to the lowest posi-tion as shown in the gure.

Tighten the knob.

Press the Power/Movement button.The head moves to the left rear.

Detach the head cap.

Stopper

Knob

Supportthe head.

Head cap


43/120


3-3 Preparing Print Data (METAZAStudio)

Starting METAZAStudio

From the [Start] menu, click [AllPrograms] (or Program) [Roland

METAZAStudio] [METAZAStu-

dio].

METAZAStudio starts.

P. 42, "METAZAStudio Screen"


44/120

42



METAZAStudio Screen

Menu BarRuns the various commands for METAZAStudio.

METAZAStudio online help ("Commands")

ToolbarThe toolbar is provided with buttons forrunning METAZAStudio commands suchas [Material] and [Open].METAZAStudio online help ("Commands"> "Toolbar buttons")

TableThe units table is shown here. The scaledisplayed represents the actual scale markson the table.

Work AreaThis is the area in which printing is possible.The workpiece size (printing area) set with

the Windows-based driver is shown here.P. 79, "METAZA Driver settings"

CenterlineThis indicates the vertical center locationof the window.

GridThis is a grid of lines displayed in the workarea. It serves as a guide for positioningimages and text.

MarginThis is a blank area where no printing isperformed that lies inside the edges of thework area. It is set at 1 millimeter by default.You can change the size of the margin bygoing to the [File] menu and selecting[Preferences].P. 43, "Step1 : Determine the shape andsize of material," p. 73, "Step1 : Decide on thePrinting Area (Workpiece Size)"

CenterlineThis indicates the hori-zontal center locationof the window.

Present Cursor PositionThi s indicates the presentlocation of the cursor. Theposition at the center of thewindow (where the two cen-terlines intersect) is (0, 0).

Grid PitchThis di sp lays the pi tch(spacing) of the grid lines.

Clicking the right mousebutton over this displaysmenu items related to theappearance of the grid.

View Scaling FactorThis displays the present scaling factor forthe screen view. Clicking the right mousebutton over this displays a menu that lets

you change the view scaling factor.

Status BarThis shows the present location of the cursor, information about the shape, the grid, and the view magnification.Moving the pointer to a toolbar button or pointing to a menu command makes a brief explanation of the buttonor command appear at the left edge.Note : Shape InformationThis appears when you click an on-screen object (image, text, or shape). The center position and size of the presentshape are displayed, as shown in the figure below.


45/120



Step1 : Determine the shape and size of material.

This section explains the shape and size of material to be determined by METAZAStudio when using the

plate as explained below. METAZAStudio has a number of different types of material preregistered. Use the

material with the tag name, which has the same shape as the plate used

P. 30, "Preparing Material to Print"

When you want to print on cylindrical material and other curved surfaces,

see the section given below.

P. 73, "4-5 Printing on a Curved Surface"

If you want to register new material, see the section given below.

P. 78, "4-6 Register New Material"

Procedure

Click .

The [Material] window appears.

40 mm

25 mm


46/120


47/120



Set Margin to 1 mm.Click [OK].

For printing on a flat plate, make the margin

at least one millimeter. Otherwise the mark-

ing pins may strike and damage the edge of

the material.

Step2 : Import the Image

Here you import an image (such as photograph or drawing) for printing.

Data formats supported by METAZAStudio

Files in JPEG format

Files in BMP (bitmap) formatFiles in AI or EPS format created by Illustrator version 7 or 8

Files in AI or EPS format exported by CorelDRAW version 7 or 8

Note : Illustrator and CorelDRAW files are subject to a number of limitations. For details, see the online help

for METAZAStudio.

METAZAStudio online help ("Hints and Tips" > "Reusing Existing Data")

Procedure

Click .

The [Import] dialog box appears.


48/120

46



At [Look in], select the locationof the le.

At [Files of type], select either

[Picture le] or [Adobe Illustratorle].

Select the le you want.

Click [Open].

The specified image is imported and dis-

played with the margins you set.

You can vary the arrangement of the placed

image, such as by changing its size or orien-

tation or by adding borders around it.

P. 54, "4-1 Tips and Tricks for Image Layout"

If the material has holes, take care to ensure that the image is not laid out over the holes. If you include the

holes in the printing area, the marking pins might hit the edge of the material, damaging it.

P. 55, "Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of an Image"

1mm ( 0.04 in. )1mm ( 0.04 in. )

Printing area

The printing arealies over a hole.

No margins arepresent at the edges

of the material.

The printing areaextends beyond

the material.

Not OKOK Not OK Not OK

Printing area Printing area Printing area


49/120


50/120

48



For [Save in], specify where to save thefile.

Type in a file name.

Click [Save].


51/120


3-4 Starting and Stopping Printing

Starting Printing

Important!

Never attempt printing in any of the following situations. Doing so may damage the pins or heads.

When no material is loaded

When the head is not set at an appropriate position based on the surface height of the material in the

case that you do not use the head cap.

P. 33, "Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet," p. 38, "Loading Material Using the Center Vise"

Procedure

Close the cover.

ClickThe [Print] dialog box appears.

Make sure [Roland MPX-90] ischosen as the printer name.

Click [Properties].


52/120

50

3-4 Starting and Stopping Print


Click the [Image Correction] tab.Select [Material].

Select either the composition or the product

code of the material.

You can adjust and register the striking

force.

P. 88, "Registering a Composition and Adjusting

the Striking Force"

Select Print mode.

P. 88 "Registering a Composition and Adjusting

the Striking Force," METAZA Driver online help

([Correction] tab)

Click [OK].

Click [OK].The printing data is sent to the machine and

printing starts.

After printing has nished, open the cover and detach the material.Do not open the cover until the operation is completely stopped.

If the material is difficult to detach when using the adhesive sheet, inserting a thin, flat object (such

as a piece of stiff paper or cardboard) between the adhesive sheet and the material may make it

easier to dislodge.


53/120


3-4 Starting and Stopping Print

Stopping Printing Operations

Hold down the Power/Movement but-

ton for one second or longer.

The light slowly blinks while the transmitted

print data is being deleted. The light goes

dark and the power is switched off.

You can delete the print data with the following method.

Procedure


Windows XP


ers and Faxes].

Double-click the [Roland MPX-90]icon.

At the [Printer] menu, click [CancelAll Documents] (or [Purge Print

Documents]).

If the message shown in the gureappears, click Yes.



54/120

52


55/120

53

Chapter 4More Advanced

Operations


56/120

54 Chapter 4 More Advanced Operations

4-1 Tips and Tricks for Image Layout

Keeping Only the Required Portion of an Image (Trimming)

METAZAStudio can cut an original image to remove unneeded areas and keep just the required portion.

This operation is called trimming.

In this example, you use the printing data created from page 43 to 46.

Procedure

Click .Click the image.

Eight trimming bars appear around the

image.

TrimmingDrag the trimming bar to trim the area you

want to keep.

Trimming bar


57/120

55Chapter 4 More Advanced Operations


Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of an Image

METAZAStudio can change the location, size, and angle of a placed image to achieve the layout you want.

In this example, you use the printing data created at page 54, Keeping Only the Required Portion of an

Image (Trimming).

Procedure

Click .

Click the image.Handles () appear at the four corners of

the image.

Drag the image to adjust its loca-

tion.


58/120

56


Chapter 4 More Advanced Operations

Drag the handles at the four cornersof the image to adjust the size.

With the handles present at thefour corners of the image, click the

image a second time.

The shape of the handles at the four corners

changes to ().

Line up the pointer with a han-

dle.The shape changes to a pointer for rota-

tion.

Pointer for rotation

Handles


59/120



Drag to adjust the angle of the im-age.

Holding down the keyboards SHIFT key

as you drag makes the angle change by 45

degrees at a time. Using this method can

be convenient at times such as when you

want to perform rotation by precisely 90

degrees.

Trimming cannot be performed for an

image whose angle has been changed. To

perform trimming, first return the image to

its original angle.


60/120

58



Enclosing an Image in a Frame

You can change the arrangement of printing data by placing a frame around an image. You use frames

registered in whats called METAZAStudios library. The library contains a number of preregistered frames,

and you can also register new ones.

METAZAStudio online help (Hint and Tips > Making Use of Library )

In this example, you add a frame to the printing data created at page 55, Adjusting the Location, Size, or

Angle of an Image.

Procedure

Click .The [Library] window appears.

From [Group], select [Frame].Select [Icon].

Click the [04] frame.

Click .

A flame is inserted into the window.


61/120



Adjust the size and location of theframe.

When the size of the frame is larger than that

of material, the result becomes as shown

in the figure. The adjustment methods are

the same as the methods for adjusting the

location and size of an image.

P. 55, Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle

of an Image

Frame

Handles


62/120


4-2 Tips and Tricks for Text Layout

Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of a Text

You can change the location, size, and angle of a placed text same as image.

Procedure

Arrange the text horizontally.P. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

Click .

Click the laid-out text.

Eight handles appear around the text.

Drag the text to adjust its loca-

tion.

Drag the handles to adjust the size.


63/120



Click on the text and hold until theshape of the handles at the 4 corners

changes to [].

Line up the pointer with a han-

dle.

The shape changes to a pointer for rota-

tion.

Drag to change the angle of the

text.

Holding down the keyboards SHIFT key as

you drag makes the angle change by 45

degrees at a time. Using this method can

be convenient at times such as when you

want to perform rotation by precisely 90

degrees.


64/120

62



Arranging a Text to a Fan Layout

You can arrange a text to a fan layout.

Procedure

Enter text.P. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

Click .

The [Properties] dialog box appears.

Click the Format tab. Select the [Align with Curve]

check box.

Click [OK].

The layout of the text changes to a fan

shape.


65/120



Laying Out Text along a Shape

Here you lay out text along a shape you have made using the drawing tools.

Procedure

Click a drawing tool.In this example you use .

In the editing window, create a

shape on the material.

METAZAStudio online help (Commands >

Toolbar buttons )

Click . Position the pointer near theoutline of the shape you created,

and when appears under the pointer,

then click .

Drawingtools


66/120

64



Enter text.P. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

The text is laid out along the shape.

Important!

Layout on an integrated polyline is not possible.

METAZAStudio METAZAStudio online help (Commands > [Object] menu > Convert to Polyline, Integrate

Polyline )

Filling Text

There are two ways to fill text: [Fill] and [Island Fill]. Select either way according to your preference.

FillText is lled withoutspace.

Island FillYou can specify theinterval between adjacentlling lines.


67/120



Procedure

Enter the text.P. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

Click .

The [Properties] dialog box appears.

Click the [Fill and Contour] tab.Select the [Fill] check box.

Select [Fill] or [Island Fill].

When you select [Island Fill], you need to en-

ter Pitch as well. Pitch is the interval between

adjacent filling lines.

Click [OK].

The text is filled.

Important!

When you make a print with a lot of lines (Island Fill, etc.) on aluminum material and the like, the uneven-

ness of the material surface is increased, and consequently the head cap becomes worn out faster. Check

the state of the head cap regularly so that it can be replaced at an appropriate timing.

P.94, The Replacement Cycle for the Head Cap


68/120


4-3 Creating and Editing Line Text

SFEdit2 is software to create and edit stroke character fonts. On METAZAStudio, you can use the stroke

character fonts that are created and edited by SFEdit2.

SFEdit2 window

Menu BarRuns the various commands for SFEdit2.SFEdit2 Help (Commands)

ToolbarThe toolbar is provided with buttons forrunning SFEdit2 commands such as [Open...]and [Save]. SFEdit2 help (Commands > Toolbarbuttons)

Character ListThis displays the list of allstroke characters.To edit the stroke charac-ter, click it.

Text boxThis is a box for enclosingtext.The size of the box differsaccording to the type ofbase font and the charac-

ter. Normally you shouldcreate the text so that itfits inside the box.

Stroke CharactersAll stroke characters are made up of polylinesand lines.You can edit them by adding or deletingvertices, adding line segments, and so on.SFEdit2 help (Operation Procedures >Step2: Edit the shape of character)

Base lineThis is the reference line for lining up atext string horizontally.When text is written horizontally, the baselines of adjacent characters are lined upalong a horizontal line so that there is nounevenness.

Base font textThis is displayed as a rough draft forediting stroke characters.A base font serves as the designbase for a stroke character.

Status barMoving the pointer to a toolbar button orpointing to a menu command displays a briefexplanation of the button or command.


69/120



Creating a Stroke Character Font

The method of creating and saving a stroke character font is explained below.

Procedure

Starting METAZAStudio.P. 41, Starting METAZAStudio

Click [Edit] [Stroke character] [Run SFEdit2].

SFEdit2 starts.

Click [File] [New].[Select Base Font] dialog box appears.

Select a font which is used as abase of a stroke character font to

be created.

Click [OK].

A stroke character font is automatically

created.


70/120

68



Click .[Save] dialog box appears.

Enter a name of the created strokecharacter font.Click [OK].

The created stroke character font is saved.

Click .


71/120



Changing Input Characters into Stroke Characters

This section explains the method of changing input characters into stroke characters using a stroke char-

acter font.

To use a stroke character font, either of the following operations must be done in advance.

Create a stroke character font before SFEdit2 is installed.

Create a new stroke character font.

P. 67, Creating a Stroke Character Font

Procedure

Enter the TextP. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

Click .The [Properties] dialog box appears.

Click [Format] tub.Select [Stroke character].

The option of [Font] becomes Stroke char-

acter only.

Select Stroke character.

Click [OK].

Input characters become stroke characters.


72/120

70



Editing Stroke character

Using SFEdit2, you can edit the shape of a created stroke character. The procedure to edit a stroke character

using SFEdit2 is explained below.

Procedure

Change an input character to a stroke character.P. 69, Changing Input Characters into Stroke Characters

Click the stroke character youwant to edit.

Eight pointers appear around the stroke

character.

Click [Edit] [Stroke character] [Edit Stroke].

SFEdit2 starts.

From Character List, click strokecharacter you want to edit.

The stroke character you want to edit is

displayed in Text box.

Edit the stroke character.

Change the position and shape of the stroke

character.

SFEdit2 help (Editing Polylines)

Click .The edit is overwritten to the selected stroke

character font.

Click .SFEdit2 is finished.

The edit is reflected to the stroke charac-

ter.

Text box


73/120


4-4 Checking and Adjusting Finished Result of an Image

Checking the Finished Results in the Preview Window

Checking the Finished Results in the Preview Window

Click .

Preview window appears.

Preview window


74/120

72

4-4 Checking and Adjusting Finished Result of an Image


Adjusting the Finished Result in the Preview Window

At the preview window, you can adjust the brightness, contrast, and gamma correction. An image with

clearly defined light and dark areas produces attractive printed results.

Brightness

This adjusts the overall brightness. Making

the value too large can destroy the balance,

so it may be a good idea to adjust it to the

absolute minimum necessary.

Contrast

This mainly adjusts highlights (the bright-

est areas) and shadows (the darkest areas).

Using this can be effective when you want

to achieve a sense of tension with a goodbalance of light and dark.

Gamma

This mainly adjusts the brightness of tones

of intermediate brightness between bright

and dark areas. Using it is effective in adjust-

ing the overall brightness.

The dark and bright areas are printed as

shown in the figure.

Dark-color areas are not struck, and light-color areas are struck forcefully.

Also, the printing results before and after

adjustment are as shown below.

Dark Area

Bright area

Beforeadjusting

Afteradjusting

Adjust the gamma to 0.4.The brightness of the face is reduced, andthe facial expression becomes clear.

Preview window


75/120


4-5 Printing on a Curved Surface

With this machine, using a head cap lets you perform printing on cylinders and other examples of material

whose surface height is not uniform. This section describes how to create data, using printing on a cylindri-

cal material like the one shown below as an example.

Step1 : Decide on the Printing Area (Workpiece Size)

First, you make the settings for the printing area on the material. In the case of printing on cylindrical ma-

terial, printing over the entire surface of the material (as on flat material) is not possible. For this reason,

the METAZAStudio editing window displays the printing area instead of the material. The printing area is

determined by the value of the materials diameter entered at the setting window for the driver. For moreinformation about the conditions of cylindrical material that this machine can print, refer to the page

indicated below.

Conditions for Material When Printing Curved Surfaces in P. 32, Preparing Material to Print

Procedure

Click [File], then click [Preferenc-es].

The [Preferences] dialog box appears.

50mm

10mm


76/120

74



Set Margin to 0 mm.

When youre printing on cylindrical mate-

rial, set the margins to zero millimeters.

When printing on cylindrical material, the

makeable area is limited, and so a sufficient

printing area must be ensured by making

the margins zero millimeters in size.

Click [OK].

Click [File], then click [Set up theprinter].

The [Print Setup] dialog box appears.


77/120



Make sure [Roland MPX-90] ischosen as the printer name.

Click [Properties].

Click the [Material] tab.Set [Diameter] to 10 millimeters.

Select [Direction].Make horizontal writing on portrait mate-

rial.

Vertical

Horizontal

In this example, select (vertical).

Click [Enter].

Under [Work Size], the value for [Width] is

set automatically.

For [Length], in this example, make the set-ting of 50 millimeters.

Click [OK].

Click [OK].This is the end of the printing area setting.


78/120

76



Step2 : Make horizontal writing on portrait material.

After the printing area is determined, place images and text on the area.

This section explains the method of inputting characters horizontally on portrait material.

Procedure

Type in the text to print, then ad-just how its laid out.

P. 47, Step3 : Enter the Text

Change the text size to any size

of your preference.

It must be fit within the printing area.


of a Text

Rotate the input character to makeit vertical.P. 60, Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle

of a Text


79/120



Click .Press the key on the key-

board.

The result becomes as shown in the figure.

Enter text remained.

Move the text to any position ofyour preference.


of a Text

The on-screen table scale corresponds to the scale for the center vise as shown in the figure. Adjust the

position of the material to enable the text to be printed at the location you want.

P. 38, Loading Material Using the Center Vise


80/120


4-6 Register New Material

How to Register Wide Variety of Material

METAZAStudio includes preregistered material of four shapes. To print material not registered in METAZAStu-

dio, first register it as a new material. This prevents the printing area from being limited and the marking

pins from being damaged as the result of hitting the edge of material.

The following three methods are available for registering material. For detailed information about the

procedures, refer to the online help for METAZAStudio.

P.10, How to Display Help for Software

METAZAStudio METAZAStudio online help (Hint and Tips > Registering Favorite Material)

Importing a bitmap image

If an image of the material is available, you can import the image. Note, however, that only bitmap data can

be used. Other requirements are as follows.

File format : Must be either BMP (bitmap) or JPEG

Number of colors : Binary (black and white portions corresponding to the material must be

black-lled)

Scanning the material with a commercially available scanner

When no image of the material is available, or the shape of the material is complex, you can scan the mate-

rial on a commercially available scanner and import the image produced. In this regards, the requirements

are as follows.

Scanner : Scanner that supports TWAIN_32.

Number of colors : Binary (black and white portions corresponding to the material must be

black-lled)

Drawing the shape of the material

If the material is a square, circle, or other such simple shape, either singly or in combination, you can use

the drawing tools to draw the shape of the material, then register it.


81/120


4-7 METAZA Driver Settings

Keeping the settings of METAZA Driver

At the setting window for METAZA driver, you can make the settings for a wide variety of items, including the

size of the material and the method used for printing. Any changes you make at this window (the window

displayed by using the procedure described here) remain in effect even after you restart METAZAStudio.

Procedure


Windows XP


ers and Faxes].

Right-click [Roland MPX-90].Click [Printing Preferences].

The setti ng window for METAZA Driver

appears.

Going to the METAZAStudio [File] menu and clicking [Print Setup], then, in the [Print Setup] window, click-

ing [Properties], displays the same window as the one that appears using Displaying the Setting Window,

described above. Any changes you make while at this window disappear when you restart METAZAStudio.

It is recommended to use this window when you temporarily change the METAZA driver settings.


82/120


4-8 About Dr. Engrave

What is Dr. Engrave?

Dr. Engrave is printing software for plate materials.

It can read a text file in which data is separated by commas or tabs into the character field. You can use the

files created with spreadsheet software and database software which have the text write function.

For more information, see Help of Dr. Engrave.

P. 10, How to Display Help for Software

Points to note when using Dr. Engrave

Setting of the material size (or the print area size) must be done in the setting window for METAZA

Driver.

P. 79, METAZA Driver Settings.Set the material in a way that the center of the material (or the print area) comes to the center of the

table (or the center vise).

How to Place Material in P. 34, Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet, p.37, Using the Center Vise


83/120


4-9 More Advanced Other Operations

More Advanced Other Operations You Can Accomplish with METAZAStudio

METAZAStudio has some further useful functions, which are not explained in this document. Major func-

tions are given below. For more information on how to operate METAZAStudio, refer to the online help for

the program.

P. 10, How to Display Help for Software

Make images of people more prominent

When the machine prints data created using METAZAStudio, light and dark are expressed by making colors

close to white darker and colors close to black lighter. This means that dark hair or clothing may be printed

light, making the outline of the person indistinct. (Depending on the data, such hair or clothing may not

be printed at all.) In such cases, cropping the person and applying a border to the image enables you to

make the image of the person stand out better when printed.

METAZAStudio online help (Operation Procedures > Step 3: Delete Unnecessary Parts from Image )

Register often-used shapes and images in advance

You can register often-used and generic-use shapes in the library, which enables you call them up and add

them to your data whenever you need them. Registering logos and other graphics can add convenience.

You can also register images.

METAZAStudio online help (Hints and Tips > Making Use of Library)

Create contour lines from images

You can print imported images with added contour lines. The data formats that you can import are JPEG and

BMP (bitmap). To enable clean extraction of the contours, the data should meet the following conditions.

Gradations : Use images that do not contain continuous gradations and that have clearly dened

borders between colors. ]

Number of colors : Binary (black and white [recommended])

Resolution : High (Note, however, that the optimal resolution may vary according to the complexity

of the shape and the size when printed.)

METAZAStudio online help (Hints and Tips > Creating Contour Lines from an Image)

Share les over the Internet

You can save images that contain material shapes as bitmap (BMP) files. You can then send the files over

the Internet for confirmation of the finished results.

METAZAStudio online help (Hints and Tips > Creating Preview for Customers to Check Completion Image)

Optimize photograph images

You can automatically adjust the colors of a photograph image into those suitable for printing from MPX-90.

This function is effective for a photograph image which uses a lot of colors.

METAZAStudio METAZAStudio online help (Operation Procedure > Step 2: Load and Image)


84/120

82


85/120

Chapter 5Maintenance and Ad-

justment

83


86/120

84 Chapter 5 Maintenance and Adjustment

5-1 Daily Care

Points to Note on Daily Care

WARNING Never use gasoline, alcohol, thinner, or any other ammable mate-rial.Doing so may cause re.

CAUTION Never touch the heads immediately after printing has nished.Doing so may cause burns.

This machine is a precision device, and is sensitive to dust and dirt. Be sure to carry out day-to-

day cleaning.

Never use solvents such as thinner, benzine, or alcohol.

Never attempt to oil or lubricate the machine.

Never apply silicone substances (oil, grease, spray, etc.) to the machine. Doing so may cause

poorswitch contact.

Cleaning the Adhesive Sheet

Buildup of dust or the like on the adhesive sheet can reduce the sheet's adhesive force, making it difficult

to secure material in place. If the adhesive force has been reduced, then wash the adhesive sheet.

How to Wash

Immerse the adhesive sheet in water, and wash the sheet by gently stroking its surface. If the soiling of theadhesive sheet is severe, wash it using diluted neutral detergent. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove

all detergent completely.

Be sure to comply with the following instructions.

If not, the surface of the adhesive sheet is damaged, lowering the adhesiveness.

Never scrub the adhesive sheet using a scrubbing pad or sponge.

Never stretch or bend the adhesive sheet when washing it.

How to DRY

Allow to dry completely, out of direct sunlight.


87/120

85Chapter 5 Maintenance and Adjustment

5-1 Daily Care

Cleaning the Body and Cover

Use a cloth moistened with water then wrung well, and wipe gently to clean.

The surface of the cover is easily scratched, so use a soft cloth.

Cleaning of the Head Cap

Detach the head cap mounted on the machine and remove dirt and dust inside the head cap. Printing

without removing dirt and dust from the head cap may damage materials and/or affect the print quality.


88/120

86 Chapter 5 Maintenance and Adjustment

5-2 Adjusting Marking Pins

Checking the State of the Marking Pins

MPX-90 Head Manager shows the amount of pin usage.

If the indicator for the pin you're using is red, then replace it with a new head. If attractive printing is impos-

sible or printed images are uneven even though the scale is not red, then change to a new head.

P. 96, "How to Replace the Head," p. 101, "The printed image is unattractive," p. 102, "The image is uneven"

Procedure

From [Start] menu, click [All Programs] (or [Programs]) [MPX-90 Head Manager] [MPX-90 Head Manager].

MPX-90 Head Manager starts.

Switch on the power to the machine.

P. 28, "Switching On the Power"

This indicates the amount of pin usage.The indicator display increases a littleat a time as striking is performed. Therate of increase varies according to thematerial printed. A head needs to bereplaced when it is shown in red.

This refreshes the screen to displaythe latest information.


89/120

87Chapter 5 Maintenance and Adjustment

5-2 Adjusting Marking Pins

Adjusting the Striking Force of the Pins

MPX-90_USE_EN_R1.pdf

Documents

Transcript of MPX-90_USE_EN_R1.pdf